Military Denies Bombing Fallujah Hospital; 18 Killed in Iraq

Military forces denied
targeting the hospital in Falluja with artillery strikes; however, the
hospital was a favorite
target for troops during the early stages of the Islamic State occupation of the
city.

Sunni
tribal fighters will be among the security forces that enter Falluja
for the final battles, while Shi’ite forces are expected
to remain on the outskirts of town. About 10,000 tribal fighters are already participating.

Although it has been difficult
for Iraqis to flee Fallujah, it may be easier for them to escape the
larger Mosul area. About 50,000 are expected
to try to make it to Syria. Several hundred refugees have already made the
journey.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistanireiterated
his pleas that security personnel take great care to not harm residents of Falluja.